After more than three decades of dedicated service, significant leadership and deep commitment to the mission of CPAS, James Lawrence has decided that the time is right to move on from his role within the Leadership Development team and embark on a new chapter of ministry and life.
James has made an outstanding contribution to CPAS, helping to equip and encourage leaders across the UK through his wisdom, vision and passion for seeing people grow in Christ-centred leadership. His influence has extended far beyond the organisation itself, impacting churches, leaders and communities through the many individuals he has supported and developed over the years.
Over the past year, James has sensed God leading him towards a different shape of ministry. Following a period of prayerful reflection and discernment, he has concluded that this next chapter will provide opportunities to use his gifts in new ways while enabling a fresh balance between ministry, family life and personal pursuits.
Whilst James' departure marks the end of a significant season for CPAS, we are profoundly grateful for all that he has contributed to our ministry and mission. We join with many friends, supporters and partners in thanking God for his faithful service and look forward to seeing how God continues to work through him in the years ahead.
From January, James will begin a new chapter of ministry, serving as Associate Minister at St Paul's Church, Leamington Spa, with a particular emphasis on leadership and evangelism.
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For many across CPAS, James has been far more than a colleague. He has been a trusted friend, mentor, encourager and leader. His passion for seeing people come to faith in Jesus, his commitment to developing leaders, and his desire to help churches thrive have left a lasting mark on countless lives.
Through his ministry, churches have been strengthened, leaders equipped and encouraged, and many have been inspired to step forward with renewed confidence in God's calling. His influence has extended not only throughout CPAS but also across the Church of England and beyond.
As we celebrate all that James has given to CPAS and the Church, we do so with confidence that the vision, values and ministry he has helped to shape will continue to flourish in the years ahead. Building on the strong foundations James has established, we will continue to invest in leadership development, equip emerging and established leaders and seek new opportunities to serve the Church in a changing world. The programmes, resources and relationships that James has nurtured will remain an important part of our ministry, and we look forward to growing and developing this work so that even more leaders and churches are equipped to make Jesus known. His legacy is not simply in what has been achieved, but in the ongoing impact that will continue through the ministry of CPAS for many years to come.
As a CPAS family, we invite you to join us in giving thanks for James's remarkable ministry among us. Please pray for him, for his family and for all that God has planned in this next chapter.
We are enormously grateful for everything James has brought to CPAS, and while we will miss him greatly, we send him with our love, prayers and every blessing for the journey ahead.